Game on? Here’s a look at the best MLS is Back Tournament matchups as play hopes to start June 8.
On Wednesday, Major League Soccer is scheduled to return as the league’s teams convene on Orlando, Florida for the MLS is Back Tournament. This league-wide, group stage knockout tournament is slated to begin on July 8 despite the various obstacles that teams have faced trying to combat various coronavirus outbreaks.
The 2020 MLS season hadn’t begun to even crawl when things shut down on March 11, so for some of these teams, this is a true beginning of the season. Multiple matchups against foes from the same conference including some marquee rivalries, the draw was released a few weeks ago and the results can be seen here.
The Tournament schedule follows like this.
- July 8: MLS is Back Group Stage
- July 25-28: Knockout Stage
- July 30-August 1: Quarterfinals
- August 5-6: Semifinals
- August 11: Final
Here’s a look at some of the more important Group Stage matches for the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament.
July 8
Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF (5 p.m. on ESPN)
Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Miami and Orlando are regional rivals, so when these two were supposed to match up in the MLS regular season, you’d expect much more fanfare than this. Although it’s in Orlando, this opening match may not carry as much of a Derby Day atmosphere but still can be a solid open to the tournament.
July 10
Toronto FC vs. DC United (5 p.m. on ESPN)
July 11
Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls (5 p.m. on FOX)
With no live sports going on, Atlanta and New York Red Bulls as well as the league get a chance to be showcased in prime time.
July 12
Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
One of a few rivalries that “just so happen to be” showcased in the league’s group draw. Don’t worry, there’s a few others down the road.
July 13
LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo (5 p.m. on FS1)
LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers (7:30 p.m. on FS1)
In any other season (maybe even this one), the four teams that match up during this group stage could be seen at any stage of the playoffs. Luckily we’ll get to see these high quality matchups over the next few days.
July 15
Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas (6 a.m. on ESPN)
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC (5 p.m. on TUDN)
A playoff matchup from 2019 and a battle between two of Canada’s best teams, a nice way to spend the morning and the early evening.
July 16
DC United vs. New England Revolution (5 p.m. on FS1)
A nice eastern conference showdown between two longtime MLS rivals.
July 17
Sporting Kansas City vs. Colorado Rapids (5 p.m. on ESPN)
Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
In group stage matches, there’s always a group that’s second matches are the most important of all in settling who moves on in the group. This group of western foes is the perfect example. What is seen here will have heavy ramifications moving forward.
July 18
Portland Timbers vs. Houston Dynamo (5 p.m. on ESPN)
La Galaxy vs. LAFC (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Hmmm, the one rivalry that MLS loves to push the most taking place on a Saturday night when there’s going to be a national spotlight? Yeah, no way that’s a coincidence. Pretty sneaky, Don Garber. Oh, and Portland-Houston isn’t a bad prelude either.
July 19
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami CF (7:30 p.m. on FS1)
By this point, Inter Miami CF will have a few games under their belt. It will be fascinating to see how they look at this stage vs. one of the more consistent teams in recent years, the Philadelphia Union.
July 20
FC Dallas vs. San Jose Earthquakes (5 p.m. on TUDN)
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders (7:30 p.m. on TUDN)
No points for the Cascadia Cup are on the line, but it’s always nice to see the Sounders and Whitecaps hook up. Also, depending on the results of the Dallas-Seattle game, the loser in that contest may be in a desperate search for three points to keep pace in the group.
July 21
Toronto FC vs. New England Revolution (6 a.m. on ESPN)
Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew SC (5 p.m. on TUDN)
Atlanta and Toronto close out their group stage matches with two squads that may also be fighting for some points and be among the lucky teams that finish in third of their groups but still advance into the knockout stages.
July 22
Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting KC (6 a.m. on ESPN)
Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City is always a fun rivalry to watch, add some coffee and donuts to the mix and you’ve got yourself a pretty interesting morning.
July 23
LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo (5 p.m. on ESPN)
LAFC vs. Portland Timbers (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
The tournament’s toughest group closes out the group stage, of these two matches either two or three could advance. Other teams in the “third place” group bubble will be paying close attention. The results could extend your stay in Orlando, or could be sending you home.
Now, the only question is will the MLS is Back Tournament be completed?
(To see a full schedule of games, click here)
This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 10:00 AM.
